The next Nissan Juke, Good Car for Canadian Snow and I hate you! [Ask Nathan]

2015 Chrysler 200

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

  • What will the next Nissan Juke be like?
  • What’s a good choice for a snowy Canadian island?
  • I can’t stand you!

This first question comes from a fan who wants to know what the next Nissan Juke will be like.

Q: Do you guys know what the next Nissan Juke will be like?

I rented one and it was pretty cool. What do you think they will do to update it? I am seriously thinking about getting one if they can improve the interior.

Thanks

C.C.

A: Hi C.C. Thanks for the question!

In a way, Nissan popularized this segment (compact crossovers) in North America. The current Nissan Juke is one of the few cars out there that I can honestly say is fun to drive – even with its CVT. There are now competitors to the Nissan Juke like the Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X, Toyota CH-R and even the Mini Countryman, to name a few.

The next Nissan Juke is supposed to be built on an all-new platform (Common Module Family chassis technology “CMF-B”) that will give it more interior space without a major weight sacrifice. Rumor has it that the next Nissan Juke will be a vast improvement over the previous model. It may have a hybrid option along with an electrically powered rear component to the hybrid’s AWD system.

Other rumors suggest a more user-friendly interior layout along with more customizable interior options. The next Nissan Juke should have more multimedia options for entertainment and connectivity. It may have wireless options like the Chevrolet Trax has as well.

Nissan has indicated that we will hear something about the next Nissan Juke soon.

Stay tuned!

N

This next question comes from a viewer who lives in Canada on chilly Prince Edward Island. He wants a good snow vehicle.

2016 Honda HR-V vs 2016 Mazda CX-3

Q: Hi. I am from Canada Prince Edward Island and we have good long winters and short summers. I am disabled as I have nerve damage but I love to drive and now have a limited income.

I have owned the Mitsubishi Outlander AWD and the (Suzuki) SX4 AWD and 4×4. (The Suzuki was way better in the snow. Big time !) Now it’s 2017 and I don’t want to purchase new as I am now on a limited income and I am looking for a new auto to purchase. Can you suggest a couple that you think would be a great pick for me here in PEI Canada.

Looking for your reply and I love your shows. You should have your own hour TV show it would be a huge hit!!!

Best regards.

Darren Evans

A: Hi Darren!

It sounds like you’re looking for a 2016 or 2015 crossover with low mileage, inexpensive purchase price and a good all-wheel drive system. I know of three that you might consider, and I’m sure a few avid readers will contribute a suggestion or two below.

I like the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester/XV Crosstrek and the Jeep Cherokee. They all compete in a class of vehicle that’s a bit bigger than your SX4 and Outlander Sport, but they are great in snow, especially with good snow tires.

The newer Mazda CX-5 truly won me over with its year-round performance abilities and, recently, its beefed-up snow capabilities are impressive too.

You rarely go wrong with Subarus in the snow and, in my opinion, the Subaru Forester is a fantastic snow vehicle.

The Jeep Cherokee is quite good too. I prefer the Trailhawk as you have more off-road potential and great off-road tires, but it’s pricey – even used ones command a pretty penny.

Hope that helps!

N

Nathan – on a good day.

The last (paraphrased) statement comes from an angry viewer who dislikes me. One of his comments was posted on our newest show, “Ask Roman.”

Q: Anything that FAT dude Nathan does is reality TV!

Whenever you have Nathan on – I click off. He sides with whomever’s paying for the review.

The Scruff

A: Hello Mr. Scruff.

Calling me fat and telling others that I do reality TV is an unusual way to vent your frustrations. I mean, it’s pretty obvious I’m fat dude. I’m bald too. Maybe next time, if you’re still watching our videos, call me fat AND bald.

If that makes you feel like the bigger man, name calling is your prerogative.

While I never get paid by automakers to review their cars; why is it that you think I get paid? Is it my expensive clothing? My billionaire lifestyle? If you disagree with my reviews, come up with a convincing argument and post it. Saying I took a bribe is so 2016.

As for your assertion that I do reality TV… SAY WHAT!?!?!

Roman and I view reality TV as scripted (or pre-planned) television. There is no WAY that I’m capable of reading and remembering a script.

N

Here’s the latest video episode of “Ask Nathan!”

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that,as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.